This episode of From A to Arbitration features a lengthy discussion on the “one-hour office time” policy and how letter carriers can fight back, delivered primarily by guest JB. The episode also touches upon personal matters (a baseball season and regional training) and upcoming guests (David Noble).
JB’s segment covers the importance of letter carriers’ reporting requirements (M41) and how to document situations where more than eight hours are needed for route completion (using PS Form 3996 and 1571). He emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records (e.g., carrier daily performance reports, PS Form 1838c, route information card, and Doist reports) to prove to arbitrators that management’s one-hour policy is unrealistic and unsupported by the current contract and handbooks.
JB argues that the policy, if implemented, represents a violation of the contract and is a form of intimidation and harassment. He provides specific examples of how letter carriers’ time is being violated and the need to collect documentation, including interviews and questionnaires, to demonstrate the issues. He advises that carriers request a detailed response from management, including the basis for the denial and instructions on how to proceed if mail volumes exceed the one-hour time frame. Key points include the documentation needed (e.g., PS Form 3996, curtailment slip) and that the projected time is not a contractual commitment but an estimation. Corey then discusses a recent arbitration case in Billings, Montana (Arbitrator Zane Lumley, case number C-36429), showcasing a precedent for fighting this type of policy, where the arbitrator sided with the union and ordered management to cease the practice, highlighting violations of the agreement in the process. The episode concludes with Corey re-emphasizing the importance of documentation, preparation, and union solidarity in challenging management’s unreasonable expectations. Corey also announces a planned future episode dedicated to Publication 552 and the IMIP process.